You are correct that incentives are needed to reduce the shortage of transplantable organs. Relying on altruism has left us with a shortage that kills thousands of people every year and gets larger every day.

One incentive is already in place. You can increase your chances of getting a transplant if you ever need one by agreeing to donate your organs after you die. This incentive is offered by LifeSharers, a national non-profit network of organ donors.

Everyone is welcome to join LifeSharers at www.lifesharers.org or by calling 1-888-ORGAN88. There is no cost to join. No one is excluded due to any pre-existing medical condition. There is no age limit, and parents can enroll their minor children.

The incentive offered by LifeSharers also helps make the organ allocation system fairer. People who aren\'t willing to share the gift of life should go to the back of the waiting list as long as there is a shortage of organs.